The Best Kept Secret
Tucked quietly within the life of Union Church of Belgrade Lakes, United Methodist Church, is one of its most meaningful and consistent ministries — a steady commitment led by the Missions and Outreach Committee to support neighbors facing food insecurity. This has mostly been a “behind the scenes passion,” which has become one of the church’s most important expressions of living out its faith in practical, compassionate ways.
One way the church helps in this area is a shared effort and intention of purpose with the Rome-Belgrade Food Bank. The food bank exists to feed, with compassion and dignity, meeting the basic household needs of our neighbors in the Belgrade and Rome community. Operated entirely by volunteers (including folks from the church) with sustenance from local churches, businesses, and community collection sites, it provides food assistance in a way that focuses on respect, accessibility, and care.
Recently, the Union Church of Belgrade Lakes joined in that mission by helping supply items for the food bank’s summer “Cook-out Bags.” These bags are designed to help families enjoy the weather while sharing an outdoor cook-out style meal together. As part of this effort, the church put together 50 bags that included brownie and party-size bags of chips as well as other items that help provide moments of joy during the summer months. Some other ways that the church supports the food bank are weekly donated items, filling holiday bags at Christmas that include fixings for a turkey dinner, in which they partnered with the food bank’s board members. It truly demonstrates that "it takes a village," and Union Church leads the way helping the Food Bank!
Union Church of Belgrade Lakes Belgrade also participates monthly to prepare and deliver dinner for Maine Bread of Life. This organization works to address hunger by providing meals and hospitality to individuals and families in need, offering not only nourishment but also a place of welcome and dignity. Their mission encompasses a broad commitment casting the net wide for those neighbors who are experiencing hardship, not only helping to meet needs but doing so while also providing hope and a sense of stability.
This need and combined initiative reflects a deeper truth: food insecurity is everywhere including in our own neighborhoods, affecting families and individuals who are working hard to make ends meet. Ministries like these remind us that small, consistent acts of generosity can make a real difference in the lives of our fellow human beings.
Sometimes the “best kept secret” is hidden in plain sight, showing up as a community steadily caring for its neighbors, one meal, one bag of groceries, and one act of love at a time. If anyone would like to support or participate in these outreach efforts, please contact the Union Church of Belgrade Lakes at (207) 495‑3599.
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